Down 0-2 to the Miami Heat in their Eastern Conference Semifinals series, the Philadelphia 76ers still have some hope. Ahead of Game 3, the team got a huge update on Joel Embiid. The star center cleared concussion protocols and has been upgraded to “doubtful,” after being listed as “out” on Thursday.

Sixers team reporter Lauren Rosen tweeted Embiid's upgraded status Friday afternoon.

At this point, Embiid is doing everything humanly possible to get back on the court. He's dealing with a torn ligament in the thumb of shooting hand and a right orbital fracture. Not to mention, he overcame a mild concussion in a week.

So what else does the big man have to do to play in Game 3?

According to Shams Charania, Embiid was fitted for a protective face mask and will “need to feel comfortable” before he can play. He tweeted the update Friday afternoon.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Miami Heat stars Bam Adebayo and Jaime Jaquez Jr. looking at Boston Celtics stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in front of the Kaseya Center.

Zachary Weinberger ·

cG9zdDoyODA3MjY2-thumbnail

Scotty White ·

Miami Heat stars Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro next to Chicago Bulls stars Coby White and DeMar DeRozan in front of the Kaseya Center.

Zachary Weinberger ·

If you feel like all of this sounds familiar, it's because it is. Flashback to four years ago, when the Sixers took on the Miami Heat in the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs. Embiid suffered a left orbital fracture in March, underwent surgery, and was cleared to play in Game 3 of the first round.

However, things are a little more difficult this time around. In 2018, the series was tied 1-1 before Embiid led the team to a 4-1 win. This time, the Sixers are down 0-2, Embiid didn't have time to undergo surgery, and he's also dealing with the thumb injury.

Only time will tell if masked Embiid will return for Game 3 and pull off an iconic win Friday night in Philadelphia.